Cockroaches: The Uninvited Tenants Who Moved In Before We Did

a cat sitting in front of a dead cockroach

Cockroaches are a disgusting topic, but unfortunately they are also a very present topic in many households. Especially in tropical areas, but not only there. They are everywhere: persistent and with absolutely no respect for personal boundaries. Some people see a cockroach in the house and stay calm. They say, “Oh, a cockroach,” as if …

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The Flight That Made Me Cry: A Traveler’s Tale

Airplane wing above fluffy clouds

At first glance, this photo looks like a pretty normal shot that I took during a flight: clouds, blue sky, a wing, and somewhere far below, the islands of the Philippines. But what you cannot see in this photo is me behind the camera. You cannot see the required face shield. You cannot see the …

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Arnstadt — My Beautiful, Complicated Hometown

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This is my hometown: Arnstadt in Thuringia, Germany. At first glance, it is an easy place to love. Cobblestone streets, old houses, church towers, quiet squares, and that particular Thuringian light that can make even familiar corners look almost new again. Arnstadt is not a big city, but it carries itself with the confidence of …

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A Rainbow Lorikeet in Sydney, Australia

Colorful parrot on tree trunk

This stunning Rainbow Lorikeet posed for me at Bradleys Head Walking Track in Sydney; it was completely unshy and seemed eager to show off different poses. The vibrant feather colors of the Rainbow Lorikeet, ranging from deep green wings to striking blue and orange underparts, create a breathtaking sight against the backdrop of Sydney’s beautiful …

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When Rising Airfares Shrink Our Travel Horizons

Not so long ago, many of us believed the world had become smaller. Air travel became more accessible, low-cost airlines opened routes that once seemed impossible, and even ordinary people could dream of seeing places beyond their own borders. A flight was still a luxury for many, but it was no longer only for the …

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